Sunday, December 13 The Lighting of the Shepherd Candle–(pink) the candle of Joy–Luke 2:7-15 As we re-light the first two purple candles, we remember the meaning of Advent. Advent is a word that means “coming” or “visit”. We are preparing for the Advent at Christmas; walking through those historical steps, and taking…….Read More
Saturday, December 12 Read Matthew 2:8 King Herod Augustus, or as he preferred to be called Herod the Great, was appointed King of Judea by the Roman government. This was an insult to the Jews because Herod was not a Jew, and regardless of what he did to mediate between the Jews…….Read More
Friday, December 11 Read Matthew 2:6 In Micah 5:2, the prophet wrote: “And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.” The chief priests and scribes knew Micah referred…….Read More
Thursday, December 10 Read Matthew 2:4-6 King Herod, or Herod the Great, as he liked to be called, was a cruel, power-hungry ruler who destroyed anyone he feared was trying to topple him from his throne. He even killed several members of his own family because he thought they were plotting against…….Read More
Wednesday, December 9 Read Matthew 2:3 Because three gifts were given, we have assumed there were three wise men. The book of tradition says there were three: Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. But, since the Bible does not confirm that, we can only conclude the number of the wise men did not matter……..Read More
Tuesday, December 8 Read Matthew 2:1-2 I hope you are beginning to get the picture that nothing about the birth of Jesus was “normal”! The way He was conceived, the place He was born, the announcement by the angels, and the visit of the shepherds on the night of His birth, were…….Read More
Monday, December 7 Read Matthew 1:24-25 As we begin our personal studies this week, let’s review the four main things Matthew wants his readers to know about the birth of the Son of God. Vs 18 – “Mary was found with child of the Holy Ghost”. Vs 20 – “that which is…….Read More
Sunday, December 6 The Lighting of The Bethlehem Candle—(purple) the candle of peace—Luke 3:4-6 As we re-light the first purple candle, we remember the meaning of the word “advent” is “coming” or “visit”! We are preparing for the Advent of Christ at Christmas; walking through those historical steps and taking our time…….Read More
Saturday, December 5 Read Matthew 1:18-23 Having read or heard the story so many times, we tend to overlook many of the intricate details of these events, and how they affected the lives of the people. The birth of God’s Son into the world was one of the most disturbing events in…….Read More
Friday, December 4 Read Matthew 1:18 One of the essential doctrines of the Christian Faith is referred to as the “virgin birth” of Jesus. Actually, the baby Jesus was born just like any other child, but He was not conceived like every other child. To be the “Christ-child” – the “Messiah” –…….Read More